Ferdinand, who has been a United player for over ten years, began his career at Upton Park and was a graduate of the club's famous youth system alongside Cole, Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick.

Cole, 31, has recently returned to east London in an attempt to rekindle his ailing career and starred against United on his second debut for West Ham in 2-2 draw with United which prompted Wednesday's replay. And Ferdinand hopes he is able to keep his form up, as long as it is not at the expense of United.

"The era we had there will be part of West Ham's history forever now, with so many players who went on to play for England and win league titles with other clubs," Ferdinand said.

"It is unfortunate for West Ham those players did not stay there and their presence get built upon. That is all history now I suppose. But Joe Cole has gone there to rewrite a bit of his own history in the coming months.

"It would be good to see him do something positive, but not this week. We want to get through this round."

"West Ham is special. I look at West Ham as being similar to Manchester United in terms of their history and the way they keep all their people for so many years. It is a club that is close to my heart because I came through the ranks there.

"After Manchester United, they are the first result I look out for and I am sure it will always be that way."